Cost effective image path for multiple office applications

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for configuring an image path of an image processing apparatus is herein described. The image processing apparatus includes at least an input terminal or scanner for inputting or scanning document into image data and an output terminal or printer for printing documents. The method includes selecting one of a plurality of output modes using a selection device associated with the image processing apparatus. Based on the selected output mode, an image path among a plurality of image processing elements of the apparatus is selected among a plurality of image paths. Each image path corresponds to one of the plurality of output modes. After a document is scanned with the scanner into image data, the image data is processed with the processing elements in the selected image path, and output or printed based on the processed image data.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure is generally related to a system and methods forconfiguring an image path of an image processing apparatus. Morespecifically, the present disclosure is generally related to selectingan output mode for an image processing apparatus so as to provide highproductivity and high quality output image data.

2. Background

Image data comprises a number of pixels. Each pixel corresponds to adefined location in the image. Image data includes various color or graylevels. Each pixel of an image is assigned a number representing theamount of light or gray level for that space or that particular spot,i.e., the shade of gray in the pixel. Binary image data has two possiblevalues for each pixel, black or white, which are represented by a 1-bitvalue (1 for back, 0 for white). Image data may be defined in terms of acolor space using values such as RGB (red, green, blue) or CMYK (cyan,magenta, yellow, black) or luminance and chrominance channels such asYCbCr or L*a*b. Images that have a large range of shades of grays arereferred to as grayscale images. For example, an 8-bit value comprises256 values or shades of gray for each pixel in the image. Grayscaleimage data may also be referred to as continuous tone images or contoneimages. In some instances, binary image data may be converted to imagesthat appear to have continuous tone by processing the data usingprocesses such as halftoning, for example.

When image data is provided by an image input device or terminal (IIT),such as a scanner, it may be received and/or processed to input binaryor contone image data. When scanning, printing or copying image data,the image data often goes through a number of image processingoperations such as, but not restricted to, scaling, color spaceconversion, filtering, rasterization (i.e., converting image data invector graphics format or shapes into pixels for output on a printer),and/or a number of image manipulation operations, such as middlefunction operations (merging, annotating, etc.) for output. That is, tosend an image to an image output terminal (IOT), such as for amultifunction product (MFP) (e.g., a solid ink or toner printingdevice), it may be desirable to manipulate the pixels of the image datafor output. For example, an input image may be scanned as contone imagedata, processed using a number of image processing and imagemanipulation operations, and then printed using converted halftone imagedata.

Office products such as MFPs are generally designed to manipulate imagedata such that the output meets the demands of the user. The officemarket place is demanding a higher level of image quality from officeproducts such as MFPs, for example. Some offices may prefer that theimage quality of printed documents is at a high level of quality (e.g.,such as the quality used in the graphic arts industry). The imagequality of an output document may rely on the image data andmanipulation of the data along an image path. The image path is the pathfor which image data is received and processed to convert the image datato the output format that is desired.

Some offices may also require a high productivity output. Generally,devices such as MFPs measure productivity by the machines ability tomultitask and produce output in a timely manner. Productivity may belimited by the bandwidth required to perform middle function operationscommon to copying and printing.

Office products generally receive multiple requirements depending on theindustry. For example, office products must meet the demands of averageoffice users by providing reasonable image quality at high productivitylevels, and, at the same time, meet the demands of graphic arts users byproviding high image quality. Sometimes these markets coexist at onelocation or within one organization.

Traditionally, such markets (such as the office and graphic artsindustries) may be serviced by two different devices. To meet suchdiverse demands of multiple applications, different image paths orcontrollers have been provided with such office product printingdevices. Some office devices utilize a binary image path to processdata. Generally, processing and providing binary image data may increasethe productivity as the image data is processed using a smallerbandwidth. However, the image quality of output document may be limited.

Depending on the processes performed on the image data, the manipulationof the image data in an image path may provide unforeseen disadvantages.For example, some products have attempted to meet high quality outputdemands by providing an image path that uses and manipulates contoneimage data. However, the movement of the image data along an image pathmay be a costly process in terms of processing power and time requiredfor processing, particularly when using contone image data (e.g., imagedata with 8 bits per pixel (bpp) for each of colorcomponent/separation/plane). Thus, although processing contone data inan image path may solve problems associated with quality (i.e., bygenerating an image or document of a high quality output), it is moreexpensive to implement in office products due to the devices andmanipulation used in the image path, particularly when performingconcurrent operations such as printing, copying, storing, and faxing, aswell as middle functions such as rotating, merging, scaling, and soforth.

Other office products, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,070,have included a plurality of processing sections that may be enabled anddisabled selectively. However, enabling and disabling individual imageprocessing sections and their functions does not address the issue ofoffering a high quality output at a reasonable cost. Some officeprinting devices, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,027, mayattempt to provide a configurable image path that determines thepipeline of image processing, whether to provide an image path (e.g., toprocess the image data) in series or in parallel during the printingoperation based on job parameters or the complexity of a job. However,such a system or apparatus only generally addresses the image processpipeline or path, and does not allow changes in bandwidth nor does itprovide the ability to produce different quality outputs at varyingproductivity.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure provides a method for configuring an imagepath of an image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatusincluding an image input terminal for inputting a document into imagedata and an image output terminal for outputting documents. The imageinput terminal may be a scanner for scanning a document, and the imageoutput terminal may be a printer for printing documents, for example.The method includes selecting one of a plurality of output modes using aselection device associated with the image processing apparatus. Basedon the selected output mode, the method includes selectively selectingan image path among a plurality of image processing elements between theimage input terminal and the image output terminal using a controller.Each of the plurality of image processing elements includes an input andoutput and a plurality of image paths. Each of a plurality of imagepaths is a series of routing connections between the inputs and outputsof the processing elements, and each image path corresponds to one ofthe plurality of output modes. The method includes inputting a documentwith the image input terminal into image data, processing the image dataof the document with the processing elements in the selected image path,and outputting a document based on the processed image data.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a configurable imageprocessing apparatus. The apparatus includes a scanner for scanning adocument into image data; a printer for printing a document; a selectiondevice for selecting one of a plurality of output modes of the imageprocessing apparatus; a plurality of image processing elements forprocessing the image data, each of the processing elements comprising aninput and an output. The apparatus also includes a router configured toroute the image data among the processing elements via an image pathselected from a plurality of image paths. Each image path is a series ofrouting connections between the inputs and outputs of the processingelements. The router is configured to select the image path based uponthe selected output mode.

An aspect of the present disclosure includes a non-transitory computerreadable medium having stored computer executable instructions. Thecomputer executable instructions, when executed by a computer, direct acomputer to perform a method for configuring an image path of an imageprocessing apparatus configured to output image data using a specifictype of output device. The method includes selecting one of a pluralityof output modes for the specific type of output device using a selectiondevice associated with the image processing apparatus. Based on theselected output mode, the method includes selectively selecting an imagepath among a plurality of image processing elements between an imageinput terminal and an image output terminal using a controller. Each ofthe plurality of image processing elements includes an input and outputand a plurality of image paths. Each of a plurality of image paths is aseries of routing connections between the inputs and outputs of theprocessing elements, and each image path among the plurality ofprocessing elements corresponds to one of the plurality of output modesfor the specific type of output device. The method includes inputting adocument with the image input terminal into image data, processing theimage data of the document with the processing elements in the selectedimage path, and outputting a document from the specific type of outputdevice based on the processed image data.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, the accompanyingdrawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an image processing apparatus inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method for configuring an image path in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of the processing elements and imagepaths to be used in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of the processes and paths for theprocessing elements of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of processing image data in an image pathfor a high productivity output using binary image data in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of processing image data in an image pathfor a high quality output using contone image data in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of processing image data in an image pathfor a intermediate productivity and intermediate quality output usingcontone and binary image data in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The proposed disclosure describes an image path that may be selectivelyselected, using a single controller or router, to vary the performanceof an image processing apparatus between at least a high productivitymode and a high quality graphics mode by providing a plurality ofselectable output modes which correlate to a number of image paths inimage processing elements. Generally, the method and apparatus asdescribed herein allow for reconfiguration of each scan, print, fax, orcopy job; that is, as will be further described, a user may configurethe output mode to a high productivity output or high quality outputbetween each job.

The productivity of an image processing apparatus such as a MFP may bemeasured by the apparatus's ability to multitask a number of jobs, andmay be driven primarily by the input and output bandwidth around themiddle processing functions (e.g., those functions common to scanning,printing, faxing, and copying using the apparatus). The method andapparatus herein may adjust the amount of processing bandwidth in theimage path that is processed and stored based on a selected output mode.

In an embodiment, the image quality of image paths on existing imageprocessing apparatuses may also be improved by adding an additional backend processing element to the image path. These and other advantageswill become evident as further described below.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an image processing apparatus 10 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As will befurther described, the image processing apparatus 10 allows forselection and configuration of an image path for output to an imageoutput terminal (IOT) 26 or marking engine interface of an output devicesuch as a multifunction product device (MFP) that includes at least thecapability to print and/or scan documents.

The apparatus 10 comprises a controller 16, a selector or router 17, amemory 18 and/or a storage device 20, an image input terminal (IIT) 22,a processor or processing elements section 24, and an image outputterminal (IOT) 26 or marking engine interface for an output device suchas a printer. Generally, the above elements (as will be described) ofthe apparatus 10 are provided to perform functions that assist inreceiving image data such as a scanned document, configuring the imagepath of the processing elements section 24 to process the image data,and outputting the image data such as printing a document according toan output mode that may be selected. However, it should be noted thatthe apparatus 10 may comprise additional elements not described hereinor alternative elements for performing similar functions, and should notbe limited to those elements as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The controller 16 is used to selectively choose an image path among aplurality of the processing elements 24 between the IIT 22 and the IOT26, based on the selected output mode. The controller 16 may provideinstructions to the router 17, memory 18, storage 20, and/or processingsections 24, for example.

The router 17 may be used to route or direct the image data among theimage processing elements based on the selected image path. The router17 receives instructions regarding the chosen image path for the imagedata from the controller 16 and selectively routes the image data to theinput and output for each processing element in the image processingelements section 24 that is associated with the selected image path. Forexample, the router 17 may determine, after receiving input from thecontroller, the order or sequence of the image processing elements forwhich the image data should be directed (e.g., for processing and/ormanipulation under the chosen parameters). The router 17 may change thesequence of processing the image data (i.e., the image path) accordingto the input by the controller 16.

The memory 18 and/or storage 20 may be used to store image data. Forexample, the memory 18 and/or storage 20 may be used to temporarilystore the original image data input via IIT 22. Converted (e.g., binaryto contone image data, contone to binary image data) or compressed imagedata may also be stored in the memory 18 and/or storage 20. The memory18 may be implemented using static or dynamic RAM, a floppy disk anddisk drive, a writable optical disk and disk drive, a hard disk and diskdrive, flash memory, or the like, and may be distributed among separatememory components. The memory 18 can also include read only memory.

The memory 18 and/or storage 20 may be used to store image data that maybe later accessed and retrieved. The controller 16, memory 18, and/orstorage 20 may be used in cooperation with or communicate with IIT 22and/or scanning engine interface, one or more processing elements inprocessing elements section 24, and/or IOT 26 and/or marking engineinterface.

The IIT (herein referred to as scanner but not limited thereto) 22 isused to scan or acquire a document into image data. The scanner 22 maycapture image data as binary or contone image data, for example. Thescanner 22 may be a digital scanner, for example. Generally, however,any device used to scan or capture the image data of a document isregarded and will be referred to as a scanner. For example, the imagedata may be captured by a scanner in a copier, a facsimile machine, amulti-function device, a camera, a video camera, or any other known orlater device that is capable of scanning a document and capturingelectronic image data. In some embodiments, IIT or scanner 22 may beconnected to a network or telephone system, for example, to receive asinput image data such as via a facsimile (fax) machine or computer(CPU). Input documents and/or image data may be received via a telephonenumber, an e-mail address, an Internet Protocol (IP) address, a server,or other methods for sending and/or receiving electronic image data. Thenetwork may be a digital network such as a local area network (LAN), awide area network (WAN), the Internet or Internet Protocol (IP) network,broadband networks (e.g., PSTN with broadband technology), Voice OverIP, WiFi network, or other networks or systems, or a combination ofnetworks and/or systems, for example, and should not be limited to thosementioned above.

The scanner 22 has a scanning engine interface 42 (shown in FIG. 3). Thescanning engine interface 42 receives scanned image data from thescanner 22. The controller 16 communicates with the scanner 22 and/orscanning engine interface 42 to instruct the router 17 to direct orroute the image data from the scanning engine interface 42 to theselectively chosen image path among the plurality of processingelements.

The IOT 26 or marking engine interface 64 (shown in FIG. 3) may beassociated with a printer which is used for printing documents. The IOT26 or marking engine interface 64 is used to output the processed imagedata to the printer.

The processing elements section 24 may comprise a plurality of imageprocessing elements (further described below with reference to FIG. 3)for manipulating image data received from the scanner 22 using aplurality of operations and/or processes. The processing elementssection may be a combination of image processing elements which comprisesoftware and hardware elements that perform a number of operations onthe image data received from the scanner 22 (or other source) using aset of parameters. The parameters are used to convert the images to theformat desired as output (e.g., high quality) along an image path.

Each of the image processing elements in the processing elements section24 comprises an input and an output. The image processing elements insection 24 have a plurality of image paths, and each image pathcorresponds to one of the plurality of output modes that may be selectedfor an image processing apparatus. When an output mode is selected, animage path among the plurality of image processing elements 24 betweenthe 22 scanner and the printer 26 is chosen. The controller 16 androuter 17 are used to select and route the image data between theprocessing elements 24.

As previously noted, a selection device 12 communicates with thecontroller 16 of the apparatus 10. The selection device 12 is associatedwith the image processing apparatus 10 and is provided for selecting oneof a plurality of output modes.

In an embodiment, the selection device 12 may be pre-defined or set to a“default” mode. For example, an image processing apparatus 10 (e.g.,MFP) may comprise a “default” output mode when performing operationssuch as copying or printing. In an embodiment, the selection device 12may be configured based on the market for which the apparatus 10 will beused. For example, in a graphic arts environment the apparatus may beset at a high quality output mode. For example, in an officeenvironment, the apparatus may be set at a high productivity outputmode. In an embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be set to a default outputmode by the manufacturer or distributor.

In an embodiment, the selection device 12 may be used to override thedefault setting of the apparatus. For example, the selection device 12may be provided in the form of a user interface. The user interface maybe provided on the apparatus such that a user may manually select theoutput mode for the printer. In an embodiment, the selection device maybe provided on a user interface of a computer (such as a personal CPU)or other device. For example, a user may be able to select an outputmode by sending instructions via a network.

The selections can be done through SW programming based on someconfiguration settings. These settings could be pre-determined, or basedon user input. But we may not want to rule out the possibility of someautomated way of determining the setting]

FIG. 2 shows a method 30 for configuring an image path of an imageprocessing apparatus, such as the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1. Theimage processing apparatus 10 includes a scanner 22 for scanning adocument into image data and a printer 26 for printing documents. Themethod 30 comprises selecting 32 one of a plurality of output modesassociated with the image processing apparatus. In an embodiment, theoutput mode may be selected using a selection device such as device 12,for example. In an embodiment, the output mode of the selection devicemay be pre-defined or set to a default output mode.

Based on the selected output mode, an image path is selectively chosen34 among a plurality of processing elements between the scanner and theprinter. The image path may be chosen using a controller such ascontroller 16, for example. Once an image path is chosen 34 among theprocessing elements based on the selected output mode, the document isscanned 36 into image data with the scanner. The image data is thenprocessed 38 using the processing elements in the selected image path,and the document is then printed 40 based on the processed image data.

In an embodiment, a router such as router 17 is used to direct the imagedata to the input and output of the processing elements associated withthe selected image path.

The output modes that may be selected may include a high productivitymode, a high quality output mode, and an intermediate output mode. Thehigh productivity mode may include providing output data at an averageimage quality when copying and/or printing in order to increaseproductivity and/or volume of the output of documents, for example. Aswill be further described, the high productivity mode processes theimage data in binary format such that less bandwidth is used for input,output, middle processing functions, and storage, and more bandwidth isprovided during processing, thereby increasing an apparatus'productivity. More specifically, in the high productivity mode, lessbandwidth is used for each scanned document or image. Therefore, moreimages may be processed within a certain period of time for a giventotal bandwidth of the apparatus 10.

The high quality output mode may include providing output data a higherquality output by using contone image data for input, output, middleprocessing, and storage. Though the high quality output mode may providea slight loss in productivity due to the amount of data storage andbandwidth requirements required for processing and storing contone imagedata, the quality of the output image during copying or printing isincreased.

The intermediate output mode may include providing output data withintermediate image or graphic quality and at a higher productivity. Theintermediate output mode uses contone and binary image data duringprocessing. By converting and storing the image data in binary format,less bandwidth and storage is required by the apparatus. Finalprocessing steps may be performed after converting from binary imagedata to contone image data, however.

In an embodiment, the intermediate output mode may be used with existingdevices such as MFPs to retrofit existing binary image paths withcontone capabilities. For example, an existing MFP that is designed fora higher productivity output may be retrofit with an image processingelement that will enable data to be converted into contone data andprocessed to produce a higher quality image for output.

The method and apparatus as herein described does not require more thanone image processing element to be used at the same time. By reusing theimage processing elements as described herein, cost-effective imagepaths for output are provided, as the amount of processing bandwidth inthe image path that is processed and stored is based on a selectedoutput mode.

FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of the image processing elements andimage paths that may be used in the image processing apparatus 10 ofFIG. 1. As noted above, the processing elements section 24 may comprisea plurality of image processing elements for manipulating image datareceived from the scanner 22 using a plurality of operations and/orprocesses. As shown in FIG. 3, the processing elements section 24comprises a first front end processing element 50, a second front endprocessing element 52, a first back end processing element 54, a middlefunction processing element 56, and a second back end processing element62. Generally, the front end processing elements are image processingelements that first receive image data in an image path and are used toprocess the image data according to user preferences such that it may bestored and later retrieved for output. Middle processing elements aregenerally used to compress image data for storage and decompress imagedata for output to a specific printing device. Back end processingelements are generally used at the end of an image path to retrievestored image data and process the image data such that the image datamay be output to a printing device as an accurate recreation of theoriginal input or scanned image. Although the processing elements notedabove are designed to perform specific functions, any number ofprocessing elements may be used and should not be limiting.

FIG. 3 also shows scanning engine interface 42 and marking engineinterface 64. Scanning engine interface 42 receives image data to beprocessed along an image path 44, 46, or 48, for example. The imagepaths 44, 46, and 48, as shown, are selectively chosen and correspond toone of the plurality of output modes, e.g., high productivity outputmode 44, intermediate mode 46, and high quality output mode 48. Scanningengine interface 42 directs the images paths 44-48 to the first frontend processing element 50.

First front end processing element 50 receives as input the image datafrom the scanner 22 via scanning engine interface 42 and processes theimage data. First front end processing element 50 may be used to processthe scanned image data as well as determine user-defined operations. Forexample, the first front end processing element 50 may be used for colorspace conversion, reduction or enlargement, neutral detection orsegmentation, background detection, cropping, document registration,and/or performing other operations or processes on the image data, forexample. Depending on the chosen image path (or output mode), the frontend processing element 50 may send the processed image data to thesecond front end processing element 52 or the middle processing element56.

Second front end processing element 52 may be used to further processthe image data according to processing parameters and/or user-definedoperations. For example, the second front end processing element 52 maybe used to further process the image data such as filtering (to sharpenor soften) the image data, background suppression of the image data,adjust lightness and/or contrast, adjust hue and/or saturation, and/orother operations or processes. The input of image data to the secondfront end processing element 52 depends on the selectively chosen imagepath (or output mode). In an embodiment, the second front end processingelement 52 may receive processed image data as input from the firstfront end processing cluster 50. In another embodiment, the second frontend processing element 52 receives image data from the middle processingelement 56.

First back end processing element 54 receives processed image data fromthe first 50 (not shown in FIG. 3) or second front end processingelement 52. First back end processing element 54 may be used to furtherrender the image data for output. For example, first back end processingelement may be used to convert the color space of the processed imagedata (e.g., convert from device independent L*a*b color space to devicedependent CMYK color space), provide color balance, further rendering,neutral replacement and/or other operations or processes. The output ofprocessed image data from the first back end processing element 54depends on the selectively chosen image path (or output mode). In anembodiment, the processed image data may be directly output to themarking engine interface 64 for printing using a printer. In anotherembodiment, the processed image data may be output to the middleprocessing element 56.

Middle processing element 56 may be used for temporarily storing imagedata. For example, the middle processing element 56 may be used totemporarily store scanned and/or printed images (or documents), e.g.,received via scanner 22. The middle processing element 56 is also usedfor middle function operations (e.g., rotating, merging, annotating,etc.) and for compressing and/or decompressing image data for output,for example. The middle processing element 56 may communicate withmemory 18 and/or storage 20 to store processed and/or compressed imagedata, for example. Compressed image data may be stored in memory 18and/or storage 20 temporarily or for a later time when needed. When theimage data is needed or it is time for marking (e.g., using the markingengine interface 64 or printing device), the image data may be retrievedfrom memory 18 and/or storage 20 via the middle processing element toexport the image data that has been scanned 60, for example.Subsequently, the middle processing element 56 may be used to decompressthe image data and output the image data to the next processing elementbased on the selected image path.

The input of image data to the middle processing element 56 depends onthe selectively chosen image path (or output mode). In an embodiment,the middle processing element 56 may receive processed image data asinput from the first front end processing element 50. In an embodiment,the middle processing element 56 receives image data from the first backend processing element 54.

In an embodiment, the middle processing element 56 extracts and/orreceives and stores image data using page description language (PDL) 58.For example, when a print job is received from a network (e.g., via aprint driver), for example, the original data in PDL format 58 may berasterized and converted into intermediate image format and stored usingmiddle processing element 56. Intermediate image format (IIF) may bedefined as a storage format used with MFPs and similar devices. IIFminimizes the bandwidth requirement needed for performing concurrentoperations on image data, as well as enables manipulation of the imagedata for middle function operations, such as those provided by middleprocessing element 56, or for processing required before marking theimage, such as by IOT 26. Before marking the image data, the middleprocessing element 56 may retrieve and decompress the image data andoutput the image data to the appropriate processing element.

In another embodiment, the middle processing element 56 may be used toprocess and format image data for exporting out on a network. Forexample, in order to export images from an MFP, image data may need tobe provided in an image format such as PDF, TIFF, JFIF, or JPEG fileformats.

In an embodiment, the middle processing element 56 extracts and/orreceives and stores image data via facsimile or fax 59. For example,when an incoming fax job is received from a network (e.g., via adriver), the image data may be decompressed and stored using middleprocessing element 56 until the fax is ready to be sent to adestination. Middle function operations (such as those listed above) maybe applied to the decompressed image data before compression and/orstorage. For an outgoing fax job, e.g., before marking the image datausing marking engine interface 64, the middle processing element 56 mayretrieve the image data from storage (e.g., memory 18 and/or storage20), decompress the image data, and output the image data to the nextprocessing element.

As noted above, the middle processing element 56 may be in communicationwith memory 18 and/or storage 20 for storing image data, for example. Inan embodiment, image data that has been processed may also be copied andstored using the middle processing element 56.

The output of the image data from the middle processing element 56 alsodepends on the selectively chosen image path (or output mode). In anembodiment, the middle processing element 56 may output image datadirectly to an IOT or marking engine interface 64. The middle processingelement 56 may be used to manipulate the pixels of the image data suchthat the image data format is compatible with the printer, for example.

In an embodiment, the middle processing element 56 may output image datato the second front end processing element 52. In an embodiment, themiddle processing element 56 may output stored image data to the secondback end processing element 62.

Second back end processing element 62 may be used to further process theimage data such that it may be output to a printer. The second back endprocessing element 62 may perform similar operations or processes on theprocessed image data as described with reference to first back endprocessing element 54. For example, second back end processing element62 may provide segmentation, color space conversion (e.g., binary tocontone such as 1 or 4 bpp to 8 bpp or CMYK to K), resolution conversion(e.g. scaling (up or down)), filtering, and/or other operations orprocesses to the processed image data that is received from the middleprocessing element.

In an embodiment, the second back end processing element 62 may receiveprocessed image data from the middle processing element 56. For example,image data may be transferred out of the middle processing element 56and input into second back end processing element 62 when anintermediate output mode has been selected.

The second back end processing element 62 is advantageous because itincreases the productivity by storing images in binary format in 56 andprovides intermediate image quality for an output document. Also, asnoted above, in an embodiment, the image quality of image paths ofexisting image processing apparatuses may also be improved by adding anadditional back end processing element to the image path. The secondback end processing element 62 may be added to an existing image path ofan MFP. For example, if an existing MFP processes binary image data hasa second back end processing element added thereto (such that is willconvert the binary image data into contone image data for finalprocessing and printing), the image quality of the output image and/ordocument will increase.

The image output terminal (IOT) 26 or marking engine interface 64 isdesigned to receive the reconstructed and processed image data in orderto send or output the image data to the printer for a copy or print job.The IOT 26 or marking engine interface 64 may further perform imageprocessing on the image data to make corrections or compensate fordeviation in the printing process. Alternatively, the second back endprocessing element 62 may be used to perform further image processing onthe image data.

The marking engine interface 64 outputs processed image data to theprinter to complete the image path 66, 68, or 70, for example. The imagepaths 66, 68, and 70, as shown, are correspond to the input image paths44, 46, or 48 for one of the plurality of output modes, e.g., highproductivity output mode 44, intermediate mode 46, and high qualityoutput mode 48. Thus, the input of processed image data to the markingengine interface 64 depends on the selectively chosen image path (oroutput mode). In an embodiment, the marking engine interface 64 receivesimage data from the first back end processing element 54. In anembodiment, the interface 64 receives image data from the middleprocessing element 56. In an embodiment, the marking engine interface 64receives image data as input from the second back end processing element62. Marking engine interface 64 then directs the output along imagepaths 66-68 to the printer for printing a document.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of the processes and paths for theprocessing elements of FIG. 3. More specifically, examples of the imageprocessing operations performed by the first front end processingelement 50, second front end processing element 52, first back endprocessing element 54, middle processing element 56, and second back endprocessing element 62 and the image paths for input image data is shown.In some embodiments, first front end processing element 50 may receiveinput image data and perform image processing operations such as, butnot limited to, test pattern generation, color conversion (e.g.,converting from dependent color space RGB to independent color spaceL*a*b), document registration, fast scan mirroring, cropping, backgrounddetection, neutral pixel detection, image segmentation, anti-aliasingfiltering and/or reduction/enlargement of the image data. In someembodiments, second front end processing element 52 may receive imagedata and perform image processing operations such as, but not limitedto, neutral adjustment, dynamic range, color adjustment,descreening/enhancement, and/or tonal reproduction curves (TRC) on theimage data.

In some embodiments, first back end processing element 54 may performimage processing operations on image data that is input thereto such as,but not limited to, binarizing, edge detection, fuzzy edge detection,contrast detection, dual sigma filtering, edge dilation/clean-up, binaryto contone conversion, simple 4 bpp to 8 pp conversion, input selection,output generation, scaling (e.g., reduction), color space conversion(e.g., CMYK to K conversion or CMYK TRC/K to color conversion), masking,and/or pixel counting. Input selection may be, for example, a method ofrouting data such as by using a multiplexer or MUX. The outputgeneration block designates outputting the image data selected frommultiple inputs based on a received control signal, for example. Such acontrol signal may be received or defined base on the selected mode orimage path configuration.

In some embodiments, second back end processing element 62 may receiveimage data and perform image processing operations such as, but notlimited to, tetrahedral interpolation, L to K conversion, highlighting,neutral replacement, rendering, input selection, window detection,window retagging, image compression (e.g., into JPEG format), outputformatting (e.g., for the selected output device (printer, fax, network,etc.)), memory control, and/or image decompression on the image data.

As noted above, although the operations are provided above in relationto specific processing elements, the image processing operations listedabove should be limited to those described. For example, additionaloperations for processing such as tagging, mapping, and like may also beperformed by one or more of the processing elements.

Thus, as noted above, the image processing apparatus may comprise atleast three different output modes wherein an image path may beconfigured and/or reconfigured based on a user's or market's selectionfor output for a copy and/or print job(s). FIGS. 5-7 illustrate methodsof using the above-described processing elements of FIG. 3, for example,to configure an image path based on the selected output mode.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a method 80 for processing image datain an image path for a high productivity output using binary image data.The method 80 may be used for copying and printing binary image data soas to produce printed documents at a high productivity or volume. Morespecifically, processing binary image data requires less bandwidth forinput, output, middle processing functions, and storage. Thus, more databandwidth is available during processing, thereby increasing anapparatus' productivity.

Image data is first input or scanned 82 using an IIT or scanner and sent(e.g., using scanning engine interface) to the first front endprocessing element 50. Image data may be scanned as contone image data,for example. The image data is then processed 84 using the first frontend processing element 50 and processed 86 using the second front endprocessing element 52. For example, the first end processing elements 50or 52 may process the image data from contone to binary image data, forexample. The image data is then processed 88 using the first back endprocessing element 54 and stored 90 using the middle processing element56. For example, the first back end processing element 54 may processthe binary image data such that is ready for output to a printer. Thebinary image data may then be stored using the middle processing element56 to memory 18 and/or storage 20, for example. At the time of markingthe image data (i.e., for printing), the image data is retrieved 92(e.g., from memory 18 and/or storage 20) from the middle processingelement 56 and the images are sent directly to the IOT 26 and/or markingengine interface 64 to be printed 94.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a method 96 for processing image datain an image path for a high quality output using contone image data. Themethod 96 for high quality output generally may provide a loss inproductivity due to the amount of data storage and bandwidthrequirements required for processing and storing contone image data.

Image data is scanned 98 using a scanner 22. Image data may be scannedas contone image data, for example. The image data is processed 100using the first front end processing element 50 and processed 102 usingthe second front end processing element 52. The processed contone imagedata is then compressed and stored 104 using the middle processingelement 56. Additionally, contone PDL image data is also stored 104 inthe same format using the middle processing element 56. By storing PDLimage data in contone format as well, different job types may be mixedand matched at the time of marking. In other words, copy and print jobscan be easily combined as a single job. Thus, similar back endprocessing can be applied to the image data when retrieved for markingand output. Also, by sending the image data through the same back endprocessing modules, the image quality output from copy and printprocessing may output a similar-looking product or document.

At the time of marking, image data is retrieved and decompressed 108using the middle processing element 56. The image data is then processed110 using at least one of the back end processing elements, and then theimage data is sent to the marking engine interface 64 to print 112 theimage data using a printer. The image data may be sent to either firstor second back end processing elements 54 and/or 62. Also, depending onthe IOT or marking engine interface requirement for printing the imagedata, either contone or binary image may be provided to the first orsecond back end processing elements for further processing.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a method 114 for processing image datain an image path for intermediate output. More specifically, the method114 provides an output mode of a high productivity and intermediatequality and uses contone and binary image data during processing.

Image data is scanned 116 using a scanner 22. Image data may be scannedas contone image data, for example. The image data is processed 118using the first front end processing element 50 and processed 120 usingthe second front end processing element 52. The image data is thenprocessed 122 using the first back end processing element 54. The imagedata is converted (e.g., using first back end processing element 54)from processed contone image data to binary image data, and stored 124using the middle processing element 56. Thus, less bandwidth and storageis required by the apparatus.

At the time of marking the image data (i.e., for printing), the imagedata is retrieved 128 (e.g., from memory 18 and/or storage 20) via themiddle processing element 56. The data is then converted 128 from binaryimage data to contone image data for further processing. The contoneimage data is then processed 130 using the second back end processingelement 62, and then sent to the IOT 22 and/or marking engine interface64 to be processed and printed 132. The end processing of the image datain contone format thus provides a higher quality output.

In an embodiment, when an intermediate mode is selected as the outputmode, the method and apparatus manipulate and process the image datausing a Binary Data Extended to Contone (BDEC) technology. BDECtechnology is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,159, issued Jan.29, 2002, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0257045 A1,Ser. No. 11/126,970, filed May 11, 2005; 2007/0103731 A1, Ser. No.11/268,147, filed Nov. 7, 2005; 2007/0109602 A1, Ser. No. 11/281,267,filed Nov. 17, 2005; 2007/0258101 A1, Ser. No. 11/272,182, filed Nov.10, 2005; and 2007/0253631 A1, Ser. No. 11/413,203, filed Apr. 28, 2006,which are herein incorporated by reference. In BDEC technology methods,stored binary image data (1 bit) is converted to contone image data orundergoes a binary halftoning process, and is further processed foroutput. One advantage of using BDEC technology is that it uses lessmemory than copying and/or printing when using contone image data (with8 bits). It may also require the rendering of tags, for example, andother image processing operations to convert the image data to halftoneor contone for processing.

Although the above description is described as being used withprocessing elements of a multifunction product device (MFP), the methodmay also be applied to alternative image processing apparatuses such asphotocopying or copying machines, a facsimile device, xerographic,and/or other devices with printing and/or scanning capabilities.

Additionally, although a document is scanned into image data, the sourceof the image data may be any one of a number of different sources, suchas a digital copier, a facsimile device, or other device suitable forgenerating electronic image data.

While the principles of the disclosure have been made clear in theillustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications may be made to thestructure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and componentsused in the practice of the disclosure.

It will thus be seen that the features and advantages of this disclosurehave been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized,however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have beenshown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional andstructural principles of this disclosure and are subject to changewithout departure from such principles. Therefore, this disclosureincludes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope ofthe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for configuring an image path of animage processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus including animage input terminal for inputting documents into image data and animage output terminal for outputting documents for a specific type ofoutput device, the image processing apparatus comprising a plurality ofimage processing elements configured to process and output image data,the method comprising: selecting one of a plurality of output modes forthe specific type of output device using a selection device associatedwith the image processing apparatus; based on the selected output mode,selectively choosing an image path among a plurality of image processingelements between the image input terminal and the image output terminalusing a controller, each of the plurality of image processing elementscomprising an input and output, and wherein each of a plurality of imagepaths is a series of routing connections between the inputs and outputsof the image processing elements, each image path among the plurality ofprocessing elements corresponding to one of the plurality of outputmodes for the specific type of output device; inputting a document withthe image input terminal into image data; processing the image data ofthe document with the image processing elements in the selected imagepath, and outputting a document from the specific type of output deviceusing the image output terminal based on the processed image data.
 2. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein the image input terminal is ascanner for scanning documents into image data.
 3. A method according toclaim 1, wherein the specific type of output device is a printer forprinting documents.
 4. A method according to claim 1, further comprisingselectively routing the image data to the input and output of the imageprocessing elements associated with the selected image path using arouter.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality ofoutput modes for the specific type of output device comprise at least ahigher productivity output mode, a higher quality output mode, and anintermediate output mode.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein theselection of the output mode is predefined.
 7. A configurable imageprocessing apparatus comprising: a scanner for scanning a document intoimage data; a printer for printing a document; a selection device forselecting one of a plurality of output modes for the printer of theimage processing apparatus; a plurality of image processing elements forprocessing the image data according to the selected output mode for theprinter, each of the image processing elements comprising an input andan output; a router configured to route the image data among the imageprocessing elements via an image path selected from a plurality of imagepaths, each image path being a series of routing connections between theinputs and outputs of the processing elements; and wherein the router isconfigured to select the image path among the plurality of imageprocessing elements based upon the selected output mode, and whereineach of a plurality of image paths is a series of routing connectionsbetween the inputs and outputs of the image processing elements and eachimage path among the plurality of processing elements corresponds to oneof the plurality of output modes for the printer.
 8. An apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein the plurality of output modes for theprinter comprise a higher quality output mode, a higher productivityoutput mode, and an intermediate output mode.
 9. An apparatus accordingto claim 7, wherein the output mode is predefined.
 10. An apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein the output mode is reconfigured for adocument using the selection device.
 11. An apparatus according to claim7, wherein the selection device is provided on a user interface.
 12. Anon-transitory computer readable medium having stored computerexecutable instructions, wherein the computer executable instructions,when executed by a computer, directs a computer to perform a method forconfiguring an image path of an image processing apparatus configured tooutput image data using a specific type of output device, the methodcomprising: selecting one of a plurality of output modes for thespecific type of output device using a selection device associated withthe image processing apparatus; based on the selected output mode,selectively selecting an image path among a plurality of imageprocessing elements between an image input terminal and an image outputterminal using a controller, each of the plurality of image processingelements comprising an input and output, and wherein each of a pluralityof image paths is a series of routing connections between the inputs andoutputs of the processing elements, each image path among the pluralityof processing elements corresponding to one of the plurality of outputmodes for the specific type of output device; selectively routing theimage data to the input and output of the processing elements associatedwith the selected image path using a router; inputting a document withthe image input terminal into image data; processing the image data ofthe document with the image processing elements in the selected imagepath, and outputting a document from the specific type of output devicebased on the processed image data.
 13. The non-transitory computerreadable medium according to claim 12, the method further comprisingselectively routing the image data to the input and output of the imageprocessing elements associated with the selected image path using arouter.
 14. The non-transitory computer readable medium according toclaim 12, wherein the plurality of output modes for the specific type ofoutput device comprise at least a higher productivity output mode, ahigher quality output mode, and an intermediate output mode.
 15. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 12, whereinthe selection of the output mode is predefined.